I have read a lot about the common headlight bulb failures. It seems weird that some guys report no failures and others are replacing bulbs every 10,000 miles. Has anyone figured out the root of this issue? I stopped in my local dealer today and he acknowledged that they have dealt with this issue but said they have no clue what causes it. He thought maybe possible a voltage surge. He told me Dodge/Fiat has a new superseded part # for a heavy duty bulb.
Headlight bulbs failure?
MF Construction
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I had a 2016 promaster. I would have to change the bulb almost every two months. It WAS a know problem. Got rid of the 2016 because the transmission went out at 65K, oil pump went out at 68K. Started hearing noise in the drivetrain area again, so I traded it in and trying my luck again, Hoping i get lucky this time.
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Wow and some people think the diesel was the problem drivetrain!
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I have a 2014 pro master 1500 and ive replaced 8 driver side 7 passenger side bulbs since new, also several running light and a couple brake light bulbs! Its nuts , I think I'm going to replace the sockets and see if that helps!! Its aggravating!!
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It is likely from high voltage. Your alternator is not regulating correctly. I am at nearly 5 years and 80K miles with all the origional lights, as it should be.
With the alternator under a load what's the voltage?
Also, do you have the lights on any time the engine is running?
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I know I posted a year and a half ago. But at 5 years old, my 14 model is still running all original bulbs except for the turn signals in the sides of the mirrors. Those got replaced under a service bulletin after one went out.
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My 2014 diesel had drivers side low beam out at 115,000 km, all others still working
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That’s crazy!! They are very easy to change. takes about 5-10 min. Multiple youtube videos showing step by step. Bulbs are cheap and minimal time needed to do it. Save your money.
Yup - I've replaced 2 now @$15 ish. Very easy.
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Personally I do not believe it is the bulbs fault, a 10 dollar or a 70 dollar bulb will die. I think it is a moisture issue. I got fed up and resolved the problem with LED, The clip will not work but silicone does.
I guess one could try a series resistor as suggested in the writeup Phil provided.
For a typical 55 watt headlamp, current is about 55 watt/13 volt = 4.2 amps. A 0.2 ohm resistor in series with the lamp lead would drop the voltage by about (4.2 amp)(0.2 ohm) = 0.8 volts -- so, 14 volts would be taken down to 13.2 volts. Power rating would be about (4.2 amp)(0.8 volt) = 3.4 watts.
Something like this might work: uxcell 25W 0.2 Ohm 5% Aluminum Housing Resistor Screw Tap Chassis Mounted Aluminum Case Wirewound Resistor Load Resistors Gold Tone 2 pcs: Amazon.com: Electronics
I just replaced my headlamp bulbs at 80K miles -- not because they burned out, but because I thought they were about due and doing it on a sunny day in the driveway seemed better than in the middle of a blizzard out on the road
Gary
I have a '14 2500 PM and my drivers side headlight went out. When I took the bulb out to replace it I noticed the bulb was completely fine but the plastic connector that mounts the bulb melted out. Must have been getting way too much voltage. Anyone have this issue or know of the part to fix? I called the dealer but they said I would need to replace the entire headlight unit instead of one tiny part.
From what i read, they don't sell just the connector, you will need to buy the whole unit. Another option is splice out the burn out connector and connect spade connectors and rig something to hold the bulb in place. Search here in the forum on how to install led light bulb, that will give you some idea.
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Hi @dcather1 - Should you have to work with your dealer for this concern, our team is just a private message away and we would be happy to provide you with an additional layer of support for that process. Please do not hesitate to reach out!
Mark
RamCares
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All newly registered members MUST make an introductory post in the Introductory Post Forum as per forum rules. "Promasterforum.com Introduction Section " Please be aware until you do make the required introductory post any posts you make may be deleted
I see promasters every day with bulbs out!!!! I avg 3 -4 headlight bulbs a year!! It's crazy, also running lights as well but that seems to have slowed down!! it's a very common occurrence to see a ProMaster with headlight bulbs out, the chances of two are pretty crazy but I could honestly say everyday I see at least one it's crazy stuff!!
I have a 2016 and I often leave my lights on when driving rural 2-lane roads with passing zones. My low beam bulbs have burned out regularly at around 20K miles. What's also interesting is that once one burns out, I know that within a week, the other one will also go. It's been very consistent. The first time it happened, I changed the driver side bulb and then went to test the new bulb and exactly then, the passenger side burned out. For a minute I thought I changed the wrong side. Luckily the new bulbs came in a 2-pack. I've gotten good at changing them and it takes about 8 minutes. It is mostly a problem when you're out somewhere and need to get home in the dark. I keep spares on hand.
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